Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
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Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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“I think your site has helped a lot of patients.”Dr. Hugh G. Calkins, MD Johns Hopkins,
Baltimore, MD
P. Ellinor, MD
AF Symposium 2017
World-Wide Studies on Genetic A-Fib
Dr. Patrick Ellinor of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, updated everyone on the world-wide effort to identify the genetic basis of A-Fib.
What are the genetic variants associated with A-Fib? In previous research Dr. Ellinor showed, among other findings, that A-Fib is inheritable and that there is a 40% increased risk of developing A-Fib if a relative has it. (See my earlier report: Genetics of A-Fib 2012 AF Symposium.)
World-Wide Effort to Study A-Fib Genetics and Genome Sequencing
The biggest news is that A-Fib genetic research is increasing exponentially. The AFGen Consortium website lists 37 different studies and world-wide institutions studying A-Fib genetics with over 70,000 cases. Within the next 10 years, Dr. Ellinor and his colleagues hope to identify over 100 different genetic loci for A-Fib.
A-Fib Genetic “Fingerprint” May Help Identify Those at Risk of Stroke
Dr. Ellinor reported that using a genetic “fingerprint” of A-Fib helps to identify those patients at the greatest risk of a stroke. While still a research tool, this approach could be used to identify those patients at risk for either developing A-Fib or a stroke.
A-Fib genetic research and genome sequencing could someday identify the pathways and potential therapeutic targets of A-Fib.
In the future, genetic research may refine stroke risk models such as CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED to better target who may actually need anticoagulants and who can safely take them.
Participate in A-Fib Genetic Studies
If you and at least 3 other members of your family have A-Fib, you can become involved in this potentially very important research. Contact the studies at Mass. General Hospital or Vanderbilt University.
Patrick T. Ellinor, MD, PhD, Director, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service
Marisa Shea, RN, Research Nurse
Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114
617-724-7780, Email: mshea1(at)partners.org
Vanderbilt University also welcomes families with A-Fib for their genetic studies. Contact the Vanderbilt Atrial Fibrillation Registry (they also have an AF Ablation Registry)
Diane Crawford, RN
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1266 MRB IV, Nashville, TN 37232-0575
(615) 322-0067, Email: Diane.n.crawford(at)vanderbilt.edu
Recent Post: For more about genetic Atrial Fibrillation, see my post, Inherited A-Fib? Is it More Risker for Family Members?
Return to 2017 AF Symposium Reports
If you find any errors on this page, email us. ♥ Last updated: Monday, February 6, 2017
